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.jpg) Formentera
is a one-hour boat trip away from Ibiza.
It is a very peaceful, quiet island covering an area of 85 kms2. It is completely
flat apart from the raised part in the West of the island known as the Sa Mola.
Parts of the coastline are still natural including some of its beaches. The only
industry that exists on the island is salt mining.
Formentera has a
population of approximately 5,300 and is divided into 5 areas: Sant Francesc Xavier,
Sant Ferrán de Ses Roques, El Pilar de la Mola, Sa Savina and Es Pujols.
There area also two smaller, nearby islands: Espalmador and Espardell
The capital is Sant Francesc. The most important port is Sa Savina, 3 kms from
the capital. Although it is possible to hire cars on the islands, visitors are
asked to use bicycles to visit the island in an attempt to keep pollution to a
minimum.
It has a warm mediterranean climate and its own ecosystem. The
island has lots of vegetation, including many pine forests, flowers and fauna.
Something which stands out is how its inhabitants have incorporated nature into
their way of living, converting rocks or trees into monuments or decorative features.
Like the other
Balearic islands, Formentera has two official languages -Catalan and Spanish.
History of Formentera The island
has been inhabited for 4000 years. Over its history it has been occupied by the
Greeks (8 B.C.), the Cartagens, the Romans (2 B.C.)the Vandals, the Bizantines,
the Godos, the Normans and the Moors who helped develop the island's agriculture
and irrigation. In 1235 it was conquered by the Christians and placed under
the control of Jaime I, king of Aragon. Throughout its history Formentera been
a gateway for pirates due to its strategic location. Sant Francesc Xavier,
capital of Formentera: All official buildings and central services can be
found here. What is curious about this small capital is that it is surrounded
by the sea on one side and and two large lakes on the other: Es Estany des Peix
and Es Estany Pudent, something which makes it quite spectacular.
Places
to visit in the capital: - The fortified church: built in
1729., located in the 'plaza principal' (the princial square).
-
The Ethnological Museum: (opening hours Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 14.00)
C/ Jaime I. You can see objects such as antique household utensils, wine presses,
tools, musical instruments...and more.
Hotels in Formentera:
- Club Hotel Riu La Mola (****): situated on the beach front in Copinar
en la Mola.
- Insotel Club Formentera Playa (****): situated
on the beach front - Playa Migjorn.
- Sa Volta (**): situated
in Es Pujols. (c/ Miramar, 94, Tel: 971 32 81 25) a modest, but good hotel situated
on the beach front in a touristic location - the rooms have balconies overlooking
the sea.
Restaurants in Formentera: - Es Mirador
In Es Caló Port
- Sa Palmera Next to Es Pujols beach
(tel: 971 32 83 56) a typical seafool restaurant. The rice with seafood is excellent.
- El
Molí Descarregador: Speciality - lobster stew.
Places
to visit on the island: Cap de Barbaria: 7 kms from Sant Francesc,
it has a tower and lighthouse built in the 18th century.
Es Far
de Sa Mola: This lighthouse is located on the highest point of the island.
Ca Na Costa: A stone circle thought to be a megalithic tomb - 1800
to 1600 B.C. Near to the capital, Sant Francesc and the only one to be discoverd
on the Balearic Islands.
El Campamento de Can Blai: Remains
of a Roman settlement in Sa Caló. Beaches : Mitgjorn (in
the south), Tramontana (in the east), Cala Saona (in the west). Sa Roqueta, Es
Arenals; Illetes, Llevant, Es Pujols, Es Caló, Cala d'en Baster (in the
north).
Pas d'Es Trocadors: A thin strip of land between Illetas
and Llevant beaches opposite s'Espalmador island.
Isla de S'Espalmador:This
tiny island has some marvellous beaches, a lighthouse and fresh water springs.
Ses Salinas Natural Park
Sistema Dunar de Migjorn
Arts and Crafts In Formentera you can find jewellery, accessories,
ceramics, artwork, clothes and much more. You can buy modern designs as well as
more typical, handmade products from the island. In la Mola market you can get
woollen handmade jerseys typical to Formentera and other art and craftwork. Gastronomy Like
the other Balearic islands fish and seafood dominate the island's gastronomy.
You can also get excellent grilled meat and stews which include chopped almonds
something typical to Catalan cuisine see 'Picada
de Almendras', Formentera cheese is also very good and is typically eaten
with bread and grapes. ; A type of flan, made from eggs and soft cheese, is the
most typical dessert. Frígola: is a sweet
liquer made on the island. | 
